Will Heat use amnesty provision?

ASK IRA:

June 24, 2012|By Ira Winderman, South Florida Sun Sentinel

MIAMI — Q: Do you expect the Heat to use their amnesty? On whom possibly? -- Brian.

A: I don't think so, at least not immediately, probably not this offseason. The luxury tax does not become particularly punitive until a year from now, so there is no rush. Beyond that, if Mike Miller retires due to injury or affords the Heat an injured-player exception, then there is no need for immediate luxury-tax amnesty relief. Beyond Miller, the only contracts that might make amnesty sense would be Joel Anthony or Udonis Haslem, and then only nominally so. More likely is banking the one-time amnesty right in case of a sudden decline by one of the Heat's stars. There simply is no rush at this stage.

Q: If Dwyane Wade became "Wade Jones" during the 2006 celebration at AmericanAirlines Arena, does LeBron James become James Jones on Monday? If so, who does James Jones then become? -- Will, Delray Beach.

A: Isn't the answer obvious? Damon Jones.

Q: Wade's health has to be a great concern going forward. Do you see Erik Spoelstra giving him the Tim Duncan treatment, by limiting his minutes as well as giving him several days off next season? -- Alberto, Mesquite, Texas.

A: Erik was such a big fan of what he called his "maintenance program" at the end of this past season, it's likely Dwyane will be given several spa passes next season, to be listed more often than once as "DNP-Pedicure."

Q: I feel bad that Zydrunas Ilgauskas didn't assume Eddy Curry's benchwarmer role this season just to win a ring with his old pal LeBron (sad face). -- Matt, Seattle.

A: Looking back over the 2010-11 roster, the same could be said for Jamaal Magloire and Eddie House. Considering House was cut during training camp, perhaps the Heat could find a way to get him some sort of championship memorabilia.

Q: Chris Kaman would be a nice addition, is this possible with our cap space? -- Konstantin, Wichita, Kansas.

A: Only if he would be willing to come aboard for $3 million. With the Heat's cap and tax position, it's not as if much could be done with the Hornets in a sign-and-trade.